Who Will Be Baz Luhrmann’s Daisy In ‘The Great Gatsby’? Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley, Abbie Cornish And More Shortlisted
As he’s beenworkshoppinghis script forThe Great Gatsby, directorBaz Luhrmannis still trying to find a woman to play Daisy in his new film version of theF. Scott Fitzgeraldnovel. The role was played byRebecca Hallin that recent workshop, during whichLeonardo DiCaprioplayed Jay Gatsby andTobey Maguireread narrator and onlooker Nick Carraway.
But Rebecca Hall’s participation didn’t mean that she was cast (none of the actors are formally cast, in fact) and now there’s a report saying that the director is looking at a diverse lineup of actresses for the part, includingKeira Knightley,Abbie Cornishand more in addition toAmanda Seyfried, who was the first actress said to be a real candidate.
Deadlinegives the following list:Keira Knightley,Amanda Seyfried,Blake Lively,Abbie Cornish,Michelle WilliamsandScarlett Johansson, in addition to Rebecca Hall andNatalie Portman.
None of those names are even vaguely surprising, as that’s more or less the lineup you’d expect to see right now for a key part that requires an actress of a certain range and ability. Some of those women are busy, with (for example) Scarlett Johansson already tapped forThe Avengersand possiblyPride and Prejudice and Zombiesas well asWe Bought a Zoo.
I still think Amanda Seyfried is quite a good choice — she could get both the socialite flightiness and manipulative nature of Daisy on screen. Rebecca Hall, as I’ve said before, would be better at the ‘married into old money’ aspect of Daisy, and would be quite strong as well. Natalie Portman isn’t quite as naturally fit for the role, nor does Scarlett Johansson. But withBlack Swanin the air right now, Natalie Portman is looking like a go-to for every big project with a significant female role. (Gravity, the Alien prequel, etc.)
Deadline also says that Mr. Luhrmann wants Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire for the parts that they’ve read (going a ways towards confirming the very first reports about the film) but we’ll have to wait and see if they actually sign.
